Data processing system and data interfacing method thereof

ABSTRACT

A data processing system includes a data processing module and a data interface module. The data processing module may perform a data processing function and interface with other data processing systems using data packets having a first protocol format including actual data and control data. The data interface module may convert data packets having the first protocol format to data packets having a second protocol format, may output the data packets having the second protocol format to the data bus, may convert data packets having the second protocol format to data packets having the first protocol format, and may transfer the data packets having the first protocol format to the data processing module. The data processing system may be capable of processing both standardized actual data and control data for transferring the standardized actual data, and capable of simultaneously supporting an asynchronous interface and a synchronous interface.

PRIORITY STATEMENT

This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean PatentApplication No. 2005-10064 filed on Feb. 3, 2005 in the KoreanIntellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Example embodiments of the present invention relate to a data processingsystem capable of operating in a synchronous mode and an asynchronousmode by processing data and control information as a data packet and adata processing method for receiving and transferring data.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, there have been developments in processes and systems forproviding efficient network services between digital devices such ascomputer terminals, peripheral devices, communication devices and mobilecommunication systems.

These digital devices may include a computer system for data processing.The computer system may include a central processing unit (CPU) thatperforms various operations and controls important system operations,and a plurality of sub-systems, e.g., a plurality of data processingsystems, that may perform core functions associated with the CPU.

Each of the data processing systems may be coupled to each other with apoint-to-point connection or a data bus. These data processing systemsperform data packet transfers through the point to-point connection orthe data bus. Further, these data processing systems may employ a firstin first out (FIFO) method for data processes associated between thedata processing systems at least partially because the FIFO method maybe advantageous for performance evaluation, and may describe data flowbetween the data processing systems in view of a top layer.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a conventionaldata processing systems coupled according to a point-to-pointconfiguration.

As shown in FIG. 1, a first data processing system 10, a second dataprocessing system 20 and a third data processing system 30 may include afirst FIFO 11, 21 and 31 for data inputs and a second FIFO for 12, 22and 32 data outputs, respectively. The three data processing systems 10,20 and 30 in FIG. 1 are coupled in a point-to-point configuration.

A first FIFO 11 for data inputs of a first data processing system 10 maybe coupled to a second FIFO 22 for data outputs of a second dataprocessing system 20 and may be coupled to a second FIFO 32 for dataoutputs of a third data processing system 30.

A first FIFO 21 for data inputs of the second data processing system 20may be coupled to a second FIFO 12 for data outputs of the first dataprocessing system 10, and may be coupled to the second FIFO 32 for dataoutputs of the third data processing system 30.

A first FIFO 31 for data inputs of the third data processing system 30may be coupled to the second FIFO 12 for data outputs of the first dataprocessing system 10, and may be coupled to the second FIFO 22 for dataoutputs of the second data processing system 20.

Each of the first FIFOs 11, 21 and 31 for data inputs may be directlycoupled to each of the second FIFOs 12, 22 and 32 for data outputs. In aconventional point-to-point configuration using FIFOs, providingconnection lines between the FIFOs and/or data processing systemsincreases in complexity as the number FIFOs and/or data processingsystems increase. This is one disadvantage of the conventionalpoint-to-point configuration as described above. Further, dataprocessing systems coupled in a conventional point-to-pointconfiguration require a data arbitration process to determine a sourceof a received and/or input data packet.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating conventional data processingsystems coupled in a data bus configuration.

As shown in FIG. 2, a first data processing system 40, a second dataprocessing system 50, and a third data processing system 60 may becoupled to one another through a data bus 70.

As compared with a conventional point-to-point configuration, theconnection lines between three data processing systems shown in FIG. 2are less complex.

Still further, a data arbitration process required for the three dataprocessing systems 10, 20 and 30 in FIG. 1 may not required for thethree data processing systems 40, 50 and 60 shown in FIG. 2 because abus master may be equipped in one of the three data processing systems40, 50 and 60. In light of the above, a data bus architecture as shownin FIG. 2 is implemented for most conventional computer systems.

Conventionally, data processing systems 40, 50 and 60 may includeinterface logic to interface with a data bus 70. However, if interfacelogic is mixed with data processing logic for a core function of dataprocessing systems 40, 50 and 60, it may be difficult to perform errordetection, maintenance, and/or reuse of the logic. Accordingly, aninterface logic module may be configured separately from a core functionof data processing systems 40, 50 and 60.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of a conventionaldata processing system shown in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 3, a conventional data processing system may include adata processing module 42 for performing a core data processingfunction, and a data interface module 44 for interfacing the dataprocessing module 42 with a data bus 70.

A data interface module 44 may include an interface control logic 45, awrite FIFO 46 and a read FIFO 47. An interface control logic 45 mayinterface control data for data transfer between a data processingmodule 42 and/or a data bus 70. A write FIFO 46 may load data providedfrom a data processing module 42 and may output the loaded data using aFIFO method in response to a request from a data bus 70. A read FIFO 47may load data provided from a data bus 70 and may output the loaded datausing a FIFO method in response to a request from a data processingmodule 42.

Control data may include command data and/or state data that isassociated with controls during data processing. Actual data may includetarget data and address data except the control data.

Conventionally, an interface between a data processing module 42 and aninterface control logic 45 is not standardized at least in part becausecontrol data is not standardized in a conventional data processingsystem 40.

As logic compatibility is decreased, reusability is decreased andmaintenance may become difficult.

Due at least in part to the above-described deficiencies in aconventional system of connecting a plurality of data processing systemsas shown in FIG. 2, an operating speed of a data processing module 42may depend on an operating speed of a data bus 70. A read FIFO 46 and/ora write FIFO 47 may perform a clock conversion, but an interface controllogic 45 may not perform clock conversion due to a complex circuitstructure of the interface control logic 45.

Accordingly, a data interface module 44 may use a clock CLK identicalwith a clock CLK of a data bus 70 due to structural features of the datainterface module 44, and an operating speed of the data processingmodule 42 is downwardly adjusted to match the operating speed of thedata interface module 44.

Accordingly, despite high performance capabilities of a data processingmodule 42, a data processing system 40 may not achieve full performancedue at least in part to a downward adjustment of the operating speed ofthe data processing module 42.

A conventional data interface module 44 may be suitable for asynchronous interface, but is not suitable for an asynchronousinterface.

Conventionally, when an operating speed of a data processing module 42is different from an operating speed of a data bus 70, an extra devicemay be employed to support an asynchronous interface. For example, a buswrapper may be added to a conventional data system for supporting anasynchronous interface between an output end of a data processing system40 and a data bus 70. However, there is excessive interface overhead ina bus wrapper. In other words, because an interface protocol of a dataprocessing system 40 is, in most cases, different from an interfaceprotocol of a data bus 70, the bus wrapper simultaneously handles clockinterfaces and protocol interfaces. Thus, a ratio of the overheadoccurring in the bus wrapper may be increased.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Example embodiments of the present invention provides a data processingsystem capable of processing both standardized actual data and controldata for transferring the standardized actual data, and capable ofsupporting an asynchronous interface and a synchronous interface.

Example embodiments of the present invention also provide a datainterfacing method capable of efficiently performing associativeoperations between a data processing system and a data bus.

An example embodiment of the present invention provides a dataprocessing system. The data processing system may include a dataprocessing module configured to perform a data processing function andinterface with other data processing systems using data packets having afirst protocol format including actual data and control data for datatransfer; and a data interface module coupled to a data bus and the dataprocessing module, the data interface module configured to convert datapackets having the first protocol format to data packets having a secondprotocol format, to output the data packets having the second protocolformat to the data bus, to convert data packets having the secondprotocol format to data packets having the first protocol format, and totransfer the data packets having the first protocol format to the dataprocessing module.

An example embodiment of the present invention provides a dataprocessing system include a data processing module and a data interfacemodule. The data interface module may include a write FIFO configured tosequentially store the data packets having the first protocol formatreceived from the data processing module and to retrieve the stored datapackets based on a first in first out (FIFO) method; a protocolinterface coupled to the data bus, the protocol interface configured toconvert data packets having the first protocol format into data packetshaving the second protocol format and to transfer the data packetshaving the second protocol format to the data bus, the protocolinterface is further configured to convert data packets having thesecond protocol format received from the data bus into data packetshaving the first protocol format; and a read FIFO configured tosequentially store the data packets having the first protocol formatreceived from the protocol interface and to retrieve the stored datapackets based on the FIFO method to provide the retrieved data packetsto the data processing module.

According to an example embodiment of the present invention, datapackets having a first protocol format may include a packet head sectionwhere the control data are stored; and a data section where the actualdata are stored. The packet head section may includes at least one of apacket length data section that represents a length of the data packet,a valid bit data section that represents a number of the valid data ofthe data packet, an access unit data section that represents an accessunit of the data packet, an address modification data section thatrepresents whether an address data where the data packet is stored ismodified or not, a packet type data section that represents a format ofthe data packet and a packet identification (ID) section that representsan identification of the packet.

An example embodiment of the present invention provides a datainterfacing method in a transmission mode. The data interfacing methodmay include outputting data packets having a first protocol formatsynchronized to a first clock, each of the data packets having the firstprotocol format including actual data and control data used fortransferring the actual data; sequentially storing the outputted datapackets having the first protocol format based on the first clock;retrieving the stored data packets based on a FIFO method undersynchronization of a second clock; converting the retrieved data packetshaving the first protocol format into a data packets having a secondprotocol format; and transferring the converted data packets to a databus under synchronization of the second clock.

An example embodiment of the present invention provides a datainterfacing method in a reception mode. The data interfacing method mayinclude converting data packets having a second protocol format intodata packets having a first protocol format; outputting the data packetshaving the first protocol format under synchronization of a second clockthat is an operating clock of the data bus; and sequentially storing theoutputted data packets having the first protocol format undersynchronization of the second clock; and retrieving the stored datapackets under synchronization of a first clock.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features and advantages of the present inventionwill become more apparent when described in detailed example embodimentsthereof with reference to the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating conventional data processingsystems coupled in a point-to-point configuration;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating conventional data processingsystems coupled in a data bus configuration;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of a conventionaldata processing system;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of a data processingsystem according to an example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a data packet structure usedbetween a data processing module, FIFOs and a protocol interface shownin FIG. 4 in accordance with an example embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a packethead section of a data packet shown in FIG. 5 in accordance with anexample embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an example timing diagram for explaining a method according toan example embodiment of the present invention in which a data packetmay be transferred from a data processing module and stored in a writeFIFO;

FIG. 8 is an example timing diagram for explaining a method according toan example embodiment of the present invention in which a data packetmay be stored in a write FIFO and transferred to a protocol interface;

FIG. 9 is an example timing diagram for explaining a method according toan example embodiment of the present invention in which a data packetmay be stored in a protocol interface and converted to output aconverted data packet to a bus interface;

FIG. 10 is an example timing diagram for explaining a method accordingto an example embodiment of the present invention in which a data packetmay be transferred from a protocol interface and stored in a read FIFO;

FIG. 11 is an example timing diagram for explaining a method accordingto an example embodiment of the present invention in which a data packetmay be stored in a read FIFO transferred to a data processing module;and

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a data processing systemaccording to an example embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Detailed example embodiments of the present invention are describedherein. However, specific structural and/or functional details disclosedherein are merely representative for purposes of describing exampleembodiments of the present invention. This invention may, however, beembodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limitedto the example embodiments of the present invention set forth herein.

Accordingly, while the invention is susceptible to various modificationsand alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way ofexample in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. Itshould be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit theinvention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, theinvention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternativesfalling within the spirit and scope of the invention. Like numbers referto like elements throughout the description of the figures.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. maybe used herein to describe various elements, these elements should notbe limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish oneelement from another. For example, a first element could be termed asecond element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a firstelement, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Asused herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of oneor more of the associated listed items. It will be understood that whenan element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to anotherelement, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element orintervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element isreferred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” toanother element, there are no intervening elements present. Other wordsused to describe the relationship between elements should be interpretedin a like fashion (i.e., “between” versus “directly between”, “adjacent”versus “directly adjacent”, etc.).

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexample embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of theinvention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms“comprises”, “comprising”, “includes” and/or “including”, when usedherein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps,operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will befurther understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art andwill not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unlessexpressly so defined herein.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of a data processingsystem 100 capable of supporting an asynchronous interface according toan example embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, a data processing system 100 may include a dataprocessing module 110 and a data interface module 120.

A data interface module 120 may include a write FIFO 121, a read FIFO123 and a protocol interface 122.

A data processing module 110 may perform a core data processingfunction, may transfer data packets to a write FIFO 121 and may receivedata packets from a read FIFO 123 through a data bus 200 to performassociative operations with another data processing system 300 coupledto the data bus 200.

The core data processing function refers to primary data processingperformed by a data processing system 100. For example, a core functionof an MPEG processing system may refer to a function for processing MPEGdata.

A write FIFO 121 may sequentially store data packets received from adata processing module 110 and may output the stored data packets to aprotocol interface 122 based on a FIFO method.

A write FIFO 121 may correspond to an asynchronous FIFO. That is, thewrite FIFO 121 may be synchronized to a first clock that corresponds toan operating clock of a data processing module 110 during a data packetinput mode, and the write FIFO 121 may be synchronized to a second clockthat corresponds to an operating clock of a data bus 200 and a protocolinterface 122 during a data packet output mode.

A read FIFO 123 may sequentially store data packets received from aprotocol interface 122 and may output the stored data packets to a dataprocessing module 110 based on a FIFO method.

A read FIFO 123 may correspond to a synchronous FIFO. That is, the readFIFO 123 may be synchronized to a second clock that corresponds to anoperating clock of a data bus 200 and a protocol interface 122 during adata packet input mode, and the read FIFO 123 may be synchronized to afirst clock that corresponds to the operating clock of a data processingmodule 110 during a data packet output mode.

A protocol interface 122 may be coupled to a data bus 200, may convert adata packet having a first protocol format outputted from a write FIFO121 to a data packet having a second protocol format suitable for a databus 200 and may transfer the converted data packet having the secondprotocol format.

Further, a protocol interface 122 may convert a data packet having asecond protocol format transferred from a data bus 200 to a data packethaving a first protocol format, and may output the converted data packethaving the first protocol format to a read FIFO 123.

For example, if a protocol interface 122 receives data packets havingthe first protocol format outputted from a write FIFO 121, the protocolinterface 122 converts the data packet having the first protocol formatinto a data packet interface, and transfers the data packet interface tothe read FIFO 123.

A data bus 200 may correspond to a standard interface bus, and aprotocol interface 122 may ensure protocol compatibility between a dataprocessing system 100 and the standard interface bus 200.

According to an example embodiment of the present invention,compatibility of a data processing system 100 with a data bus 200 may beimproved by employing a protocol interface 122.

A data packet that may be transferred from a data processing module 110and may be stored in a write FIFO 121, may then be transferred to aprotocol interface 122. Further, a data packet that may be transferredfrom a protocol interface 122 and may be stored in a read FIFO 123, maythen be transferred to a data processing module 100. Data packetsaccording to an example embodiment of the present invention may includereal data and control data for data transfer.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a data packet structureaccording to an example embodiment of the present invention that may beused between a data processing module 110, a write FIFO 121, a read FIFO123 and a protocol interface 122 as shown in FIG. 4.

Referring to FIG. 5, a data packet 400 may include a packet head (PHEAD)section 410 having 32-bit control data, and a data section 420 having32-bit real data, for example.

A data packet 400 according to an example embodiment of the presentinvention may include a plurality of the data sections 420 having a32-bit space.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example configuration of apacket head section 410 of a data packet 400 shown in FIG. 5 accordingto an example embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, sub-sections constituting a packet head section 410may include one or more of the following.

1. A packet length data section 411 that may store packet length dataand may occupy a first bit to a sixteenth bit [15:0] of the packet headsection 410. Sixteen bits among a total of thirty-two bits constitutinga packet head section 410 may be allocated for a packet length datasection 411 of a packet head section 410, for example.

2. A valid bit data section 412 that may store a number of valid bitsamong a last word of 32-bit data stream 420, and may occupy aseventeenth bit to a twenty-first bit [20:16]. Five bits may beallocated for the valid bit data section 412 of the packet head section410, for example.

3. An access unit data section 413 that may store data representing acorresponding access unit and may occupy from a twenty-second bit to atwenty-third bit [22:21]. Two bits may be allocated for the access unitdata section 413 of the packet head section 410, for example. Further,an access unit may include a byte, a half word, and a word.

4. An address modification data section 414 that may store datarepresenting whether a predetermined address is modified or not, and mayoccupy a twenty-fourth. bit [23]. One bit may be allocated for theaddress modification data section 414. For example, data representingwhether the predetermined address is modified or not, may include either“no change” or “incremental change in address”.

5. A packet type data section 415 that may store data representing apacket format and may occupy a twenty-fifth bit to a twenty-eighth bit[27:24]. Four bits may be allocated for the packet type data section415, for example. Further, data representing the packet format mayinclude either “read/write” or “critical access”.

6. A packet identification data section 416 that may store datarepresenting a packet ID and may occupy from a twenty-ninth bit to athirty-second bit [31:28]. Four bits may be allocated for the packet IDdata section 416, for example. Further, the packet ID data section 416may be used as an extension field.

A packet structure according to an example embodiment of the presentinvention may be configured as follows.

For example, a data packet 400 for a single write operation, which isperformed at the address “0x0010_(—)8000” with the data“0x1234_(—)5678”, may the following configuration:

PHEAD 410: 411 (length=2), 412 (valid 32 bits), 413 (word), 414 (nochange in address), 415 (write) and 416 (null)

-   -   D0 (DATA0): 0x0010_(—)8000 (representing an address)    -   D1 (DATA1): 0x1234_(—)5678 (representing data to be written).

As a second example, a data packet 400 for burst write operations, whichare performed at the address “0x0010_(—)8000” with the data“0x1234_(—)5678” and at the address “0x0010_(—)8004” with the data“0xaaaa_bbbb”, may have the following configuration:

-   -   PHEAD 410: 411 (length=3), 412 (valid 32 bits), 413 (word), 414        (increment in address), 415 (write) and 416 (null)    -   D0 (DATA0): 0x0010_(—)8000 (representing an address)    -   D1 (DATA1): 0x1234_(—)5678 (representing a first data to be        written)    -   D2 (DATA2): 0xaaaa_bbbb (representing a second data to be        written).        The ‘increment in address’ of the address modification data        section 414 according to this example uses an increment value        four bits as a default value; thus, the first data        “0x1234_(—)5678” is written to the first address        “0x0010_(—)8000”, and the second data “0xaaaa_bbbb” is written        to the second address “0x0010_(—)8004” where the default        increment value four bits is applied.

According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a datapacket 400 may include a packet head section 410, which may storecontrol data in each of the sections 411 through 416 and a data section420, which may store actual data to be written and the data address.

It should be noted that the above described data packet and/or datapacket sections are described with respect to an example embodiment ofthe present invention and is not meant to be limiting.

Because both control data and real data may be transferred as astandardized data packet 400 between a write FIFO 121 and a read FIFO123 according to an example embodiment of the present invention, anasynchronous interface of the write FIFO 121 and the read FIFO 123 ispossible. Further, function boundaries between logics may be apparentand thus, reusability of each logic may be improved.

FIG. 7 is an example timing diagram for explaining a method according toan example embodiment of the present invention in which a data packetmay be transferred from a data processing module 110 shown in FIG. 4,and may be stored in a write FIFO 121. In FIG. 7, the following signalsare shown in addition to a first clock signal.

1. A write FIFO enqueue signal. The write FIFO enqueue signal may beused for enabling a data packet to be stored in a write FIFO 121. Forexample, if a write FIFO enqueue signal is at a high level (e.g., anactive level), contents of a data packet may be stored in a write FIFO121.

2. A packet data signal. The packet data signal may represent contentsof a data packet. As shown in FIG. 7, the packet data may include burstwrite operations, which are performed at the address “0x0010_(—)8000”with the data “0x1234_(—)5678” and at the address “0x0010_(—)8004” withthe data “0xaaaa_bbbb”. The data packet signal illustrated in FIG. 7includes PHEAD, D0, D1 and D2, wherein D0 represents an address, D1represents first data DATA1 (“0x1234_(—)5678”) and D2 represents seconddata DATA2 (“0xaaaa_bbbb”).

3. A data packet start signal. The data packet start signal mayrepresent a start of a data packet.

4. A write FIFO full signal. The write FIFO full signal may be activatedif a write FIFO 121 is full. For example, if a write FIFO full signal isat an active level, a write FIFO enqueue signal may not be permitted tobecome the active level. That is, a data packet cannot be stored in thewrite FIFO 121 if the write FIFO full signal is at the active level.

Referring to the example timing diagram in FIG. 7, while there isremaining storage space in a write FIFO 121, a write FIFO full signal isat a low level (e.g., a non-active level) and a data packet istransferred from a data processing module 110, the write FIFO enqueuesignal experiences a state transition from a non-active level to theactive level. As a result, a packet data including PHEAD, ADDR, DATA0are sequentially stored in the write FIFO 121. Further, the data packetstart signal experiences a state transition from the non-active level tothe active level.

According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a datapacket start signal may be used for initializing a finite state machineFSM (not shown) corresponding to each data packet. Further, if there areprocess errors on a previously inputted data packet, even though thecurrent FSM remains at an undesired state, the present inputted datapacket may be processed normally using the data packet start signal.Meanwhile, after DATA0 is stored in a write FIFO 121, when the writeFIFO 121 is full, the write FIFO full signal experiences a statetransition from the non-active level to the active level and an inputprocess of the data packet is suspended. After a time period, when thewrite FIFO 121 is released from the full state, the write FIFO enqueuesignal experiences a state transition from the non-active level to theactive level thereby DATA1 of the packet data is inputted to the writeFIFO 121.

According to the above-described operations of an example embodiment ofthe present invention, a data packet transferred from a data processingmodule 110 may be stored in a write FIFO 121.

As shown in the example timing diagram of FIG. 7, all of the signals maybe synchronized to a first clock, which may be substantially identicalwith the operating clock of a data processing module 110.

FIG. 8 is an example timing diagram for explaining a method according toan example embodiment of the present invention in which a data packetmay be stored in a write FIFO 121 and may be transferred to a protocolinterface 122, after the method shown in FIG. 7 is completed.

In FIG. 8, the following signals are shown in addition to the secondclock signal.

1. A write FIFO dequeue signal. The write FIFO dequeue signal may beused for enabling a data packet to be retrieved from a write FIFO 121.For example, if a write FIFO dequeue signal is at an active level,contents of a data packet may be retrieved from a write FIFO 121.

2. A packet data signal. The packet data signal may represent contentsof a data packet. Similar to the packet data shown in FIG. 7, the packetdata of FIG. 8 may include burst write operations, which may beperformed at an address “0x0010_(—)8000” with data “0x1234_(—)5678” andat an address “0x0010_(—)8004” with data “0xaaaa_bbbb”. The data packetshown in FIG. 8 includes PHEAD, D0, D1 and D2, wherein D0 represents anaddress, D1 represents first data DATA1 (“0x1234_(—)5678”) and D2represents second data DATA2 (“0xaaaa_bbbb”).

3. A data packet start signal. The data packet start signal mayrepresent a start of a data packet.

4. A write FIFO empty signal. The write FIFO empty signal may beactivated if a write FIFO 121 is empty. For example, if a write FIFOempty signal is at an active level, a write FIFO enqueue signal may notbe permitted to become the active level since it is not possible toretrieve a data packet from a write FIFO 121.

Referring to the example timing diagram in FIG. 8, while there arestored data packets in a write FIFO 121, a write FIFO empty signal is ata non-active level and a retrieve request for data packet is receivedfrom a protocol interface 122, a write FIFO dequeue signal experiences astate transition from the non-active level to an active level and packetdata including PHEAD, ADDR, DATA0 and DATA1 may be sequentiallyretrieved from the write FIFO 121. Further, a data packet start signalexperiences a state transition from the non-active level to the activelevel.

As mentioned above, a data packet start signal may be used forperforming data processing normally on a current inputted data packeteven though a current FSM remains at an undesired state.

According to the above-described operations of an example embodiment ofthe present invention, data packets retrieved from a write FIFO 121 maybe transferred to a protocol interface 122.

As shown in the example timing diagram of FIG. 8, all of the signals maybe synchronized to a second clock, which may be substantially identicalwith an operating clock of a protocol interface 122.

FIG. 9 is an example timing diagram for explaining a method according toan example embodiment of the present invention in which a data packetthat may be stored in a protocol interface may be converted. Theconverted data packet may be output to a bus interface, after the methodshown in FIG. 8 is completed.

Referring to FIG. 9, a data packet DATA0, which may be stored in acorresponding address ADDR, and a data packet DATA1, which may be storedin a corresponding address (ADDR+4), may be outputted from a protocolinterface 122 to a data bus 200. When a transaction between a protocolinterface 122 and a data bus 200 occurs, a transaction signal may beactivated (e.g., in a non-idle state).

All of the signals shown in FIG. 9 may be synchronized to a secondclock, which may be substantially identical with an operating clock of aprotocol interface 122 and a data bus 200.

FIG. 10 is an example timing diagram for explaining a method accordingto an example embodiment of the present invention in which a data packetmay be transferred from a protocol interface 122 shown in FIG. 4 and maybe stored in a read FIFO 123. In FIG. 10, the following signals areshown in addition to a second clock signal.

1. A read FIFO enqueue signal. The read FIFO enqueue signal may be usedfor enabling a data packet to be stored in a read FIFO 123. For example,if a read FIFO enqueue signal is at a high level (e.g., an activelevel), contents of a data packet may be stored in a read FIFO 123.

2. A packet data signal. The packet data signal may represent contentsof a data packet. As shown in FIG. 10, a packet data signal may includeburst write operations, which may be performed at an address“0x0010_(—)8000” with a data “0x1234_(—)5678” and at an address“0x0010_(—)8004” with a data “0xaaaa_bbbb”. The data packet signal shownin FIG. 10 includes PHEAD, D0, D1 and D2, wherein D0 represents anaddress, D1 represents first data DATA1 (“0x1234_(—)5678”) and D2represents second data DATA2 (“0xaaaa_bbbb”).

3. A data packet start signal. The data packet start signal mayrepresent a start of a data packet.

4. A read FIFO full signal. The read FIFO full signal may be activatedwhen a read FIFO 123 is full. For example, if the read FIFO full signalis at an active level, a read FIFO enqueue signal is not permitted tobecome an active level. That is, a data packet cannot be stored in theread FIFO 123 if the read FIFO full signal is at the active level.

Referring to the example timing diagram in FIG. 10, while there isremaining storage space in a read FIFO 123, a read FIFO full signal isat a low level (e.g., non-active level) and a data packet may betransferred from a protocol interface 122, the read FIFO enqueue signalexperiences a state transition from a non-active level to the activelevel. As a result, a packet data including PHEAD, ADDR, DATA0 aresequentially stored in the read FIFO 123. Further, the data packet startsignal experiences a state transition from the non-active level to theactive level.

According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a datapacket start signal may be used for performing the data processing on acurrent inputted data packet normally even though a current FSM mayremain an undesired state. Meanwhile, after DATA0 is stored in a readFIFO 123, when the read FIFO 123 is full, the read FIFO full signalexperiences the state transition from the non-active level to the activelevel and an input process of the data packet is suspended. After a timeperiod, when the read FIFO 123 is released from the full state, the readFIFO enqueue signal experiences a state transition from the non-activelevel to the active level and DATA1 of the packet data is inputted tothe read FIFO 123.

According to the above-described operations of an example embodiment ofthe present invention, a data packet transferred from a protocolinterface 122 may stored in a read FIFO 123.

As shown in the example timing diagram of FIG. 10, all of the signalsmay be synchronized to a second clock, which may be substantiallyidentical with an operating clock of a protocol interface 122.

FIG. 11 is an example timing diagram for explaining a method accordingto an example embodiment of the present invention in which a data packetthat may be stored in a read FIFO 123 may be transferred to a dataprocessing module 110, after the method shown in FIG. 10 is completed.In FIG. 11, the following signals are shown in addition to the firstclock signal.

1. A read FIFO dequeue signal. The read FIFO dequeue signal may be usedfor enabling a data packet to be retrieved from a read FIFO 123. Forexample, if the read FIFO dequeue signal is at an active level, contentsof a data packet may be retrieved from a read FIFO 123.

2. A packet data signal. The packet data signal may represent contentsof a data packet. Similar to the packet data signal shown in FIG. 11,the packet data of FIG. 8 may include burst write operations, which maybe performed at an address “0x0010_(—)8000” with data “0x1234_(—)5678”and at an address “0x0010_(—)8004” with data “0xaaaa_bbbb”. The datapacket signal shown in FIG. 11 includes PHEAD, D0, D1 and D2, wherein D0represents an address, D1 represents first data DATA1 (“0x1234_(—)5678”)and D2 represents second data DATA2 (“0xaaaa_bbbb”).

3. A Data packet start signal. The data packet start signal mayrepresent a start of a data packet.

4. A read FIFO empty signal. The read FIFO empty signal may activate ifa read FIFO 123 is empty. For example, if the read FIFO empty signal isat an active level, the read FIFO dequeue signal may not be permitted tobecome the active level because it is not possible to retrieve a datapacket from the read FIFO 123.

Referring to the example timing diagram in FIG. 11, while there arestored data packets in a read FIFO 123, a read FIFO empty signal is at anon-active level, and if a retrieve request for a data packet isreceived from a data processing module 110, the read FIFO dequeue signalexperiences a state transition from the non-active level to the activelevel. Accordingly, the packet data including PHEAD, ADDR, DATA0 andDATA1 may be sequentially retrieved from the read FIFO 123. Further, thedata packet start signal experiences a state transition from thenon-active level to the active level.

According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a datapacket start signal may be used for performing the data processing on acurrent inputted data packet normally even though a current FSM mayremains at an undesired state.

According to the above-described operations of an example embodiment ofthe present invention, data packets retrieved from a read FIFO 123 maybe transferred to a data processing module 110.

As shown in the example timing diagram of FIG. 11, all of the signalsmay be synchronized to a first clock, which may be substantiallyidentical with an operating clock of the data processing module 110.

According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a dataprocessing system 100, a data processing module 110, a write FIFO 121, aread FIFO 123 and a protocol interface 122 perform associativeoperations using a common standardized data packet. Accordingly, eachfunction between the data processing module 110, the write FIFO 121, theprotocol interface 122 and the read FIFO123 included in the dataprocessing system 100 may be separate from one another, therebyimproving compatibility and reusability when replacement and maintenanceof the above components of the data processing system 100 are desiredand/or required.

Further, according to an example embodiment of the present invention,because an asynchronous write FIFO 121 and an asynchronous read FIFO 123may use a substantially identical clock, the performance of a dataprocessing module 110 may be independent from the performance of a databus 200.

In an example embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 4, adata processing module 110 and a data bus 200 may operate with adifferent operating clock. However, according to an example embodimentof the present invention as shown in FIG. 12, a data processing module610 and a data bus 200 may share an operating clock.

Referring to FIG. 12, a data processing system 600 may include a dataprocessing module 610 and a data interface module 620.

A data interface module 620 may include a write FIFO 621, a read FIFO623 and a protocol interface 622. The write FIFO 621 and the read FIFO623 shown in FIG. 12 are synchronous FIFOs. Accordingly, the datainterface module 610, the write FIFO 621, the read FIFO 623, theprotocol interface 622 and the data bus 200 may all operate with acommon third clock.

According to an example embodiment of the present invention, anasynchronous interface and/or a synchronous interface may be selectivelyperformed by alternating between an asynchronous FIFO and a synchronousFIFO.

According to example embodiments of the present invention, a dataprocessing system may deal with a standardized data packet, which mayinclude actual data and control data used for transferring the actualdata. Therefore, a data processing system may have a simplerconfiguration in comparison with that of the conventional dataprocessing system.

Further, according to example embodiments of the present invention, eachfunction of components (for example, a data processing module, a readFIFO, a write FIFO and a protocol interface module) included in a dataprocessing system is separate from one another, thereby improvingreusability and compatibility of the components of the data processingsystem.

According to example embodiments of the present invention, a dataprocessing system may implement both a synchronous interface and anasynchronous interface by alternating a FIFO. Accordingly, the dataprocessing system may provide an improved and/or optimized networkservice by improving performance of a data processing module regardlessof performance of a data bus.

While the example embodiments of the present invention and theiradvantages have been described in detail, it should be understood thatvarious changes, substitutions and alterations may be made hereinwithout departing from the scope of the invention.

1. A data processing system comprising: a data processing moduleconfigured to perform a data processing function and interface withother data processing systems using data packets having a first protocolformat including actual data and control data for data transfer; and adata interface module coupled to a data bus and the data processingmodule, the data interface module configured to convert data packetshaving the first protocol format to data packets having a secondprotocol format, to output the data packets having the second protocolformat to the data bus, to convert data packets having the secondprotocol format to data packets having the first protocol format, and totransfer the data packets having the first protocol format to the dataprocessing module, wherein the data interface module includes, a writeFIFO configured to sequentially store the data packets having the firstprotocol format received from the data processing module and to retrievethe stored data packets based on a first in first out (FIFO) method, aprotocol interface coupled to the data bus, the protocol interfaceconfigured to convert data packets having the first protocol format intodata packets having the second protocol format and to transfer the datapackets having the second protocol format to the data bus, the protocolinterface is further configured to convert data packets having thesecond protocol format received from the data bus into data packetshaving the first protocol format, and a read FIFO configured tosequentially store the data packets having the first protocol formatreceived from the protocol interface and to retrieve the stored datapackets based on the FIFO method to provide the retrieved data packetsto the data processing module.
 2. The data processing system of claim 1,wherein the write FIFO and the read FIFO are each an asynchronous FIFO.3. The data processing system of claim 2, wherein the write FIFO issynchronized to a first clock that is an operating clock of the dataprocessing module to store the data packets and is synchronized to asecond clock that is an operating clock of the protocol interface duringan output of the stored data packets.
 4. The data processing system ofclaim 2, wherein the read FIFO is synchronized to the second clock thatis the operating clock of the protocol interface to store the datapacket, and is synchronized to the first clock that is the operatingclock of the data processing module during an output of the stored datapacket.
 5. The data processing system of claim 1, wherein the write FIFOand the read FIFO are each a synchronous FIFO.
 6. The data processingsystem of claim 5, wherein the write FIFO, the read FIFO, the dataprocessing module and the protocol interface are synchronized to anidentical clock.
 7. The data processing system of claim 6, wherein theclock is identical with an operating clock of the data bus.
 8. The dataprocessing system of claim 1, wherein the data interface module inputsthe data packets having the first protocol format into the write FIFO ifa write FIFO full signal is at a non-active level, and suspends input ofthe data packets having the first protocol format into the write FIFO ifthe write FIFO full signal is at an active level, the write FIFO fullsignal representing that the write FIFO has no more remaining storagespace.
 9. The data processing system of claim 1, wherein the datainterface module inputs data packets having the first protocol formatinto the read FIFO if a read FIFO full signal is at a non-active level,and suspends input of the data packets having the first protocol formatinto the read FIFO if the read FIFO full signal is at an active level,the read FIFO full signal representing that the read FIFO has no moreremaining storage space.
 10. The data processing system of claim 1,wherein the data interface module retrieves data packets having thefirst protocol format from the write FIFO if a write FIFO empty signalis at a non-active level, and suspends the retrieving of the data packetdata packets having the first protocol format from the write FIFO if thewrite FIFO empty signal is at an active level, the write FIFO emptysignal representing that the write FIFO has no stored data.
 11. The dataprocessing system of claim 1, wherein the data interface moduleretrieves data packets having the first protocol format from the readFIFO if a read FIFO empty signal is at a non-active level, and suspendsthe retrieving of the data packet having the first protocol format ifread FIFO empty signal is at an active level, the read FIFO empty signalrepresenting that the read FIFO has no stored data.
 12. The dataprocessing system of claim 1, wherein each of the data packets having afirst protocol format includes: a packet head section where the controldata are stored; and a data section where the actual data are stored.13. The data processing system of claim 12, wherein the packet headsection is composed of about thirty-two bits.
 14. The data processingsystem of claim 12, wherein the data section is composed of aboutthirty-two bits.
 15. The data processing system of claim 12, wherein thedata packet includes a plurality of the data sections.
 16. The dataprocessing system of claim 12, wherein the packet head section includesat least one of a packet length data section that represents a length ofthe data packet, a valid bit data section that represents a number ofthe valid data of the data packet, an access unit data section thatrepresents an access unit of the data packet, an address modificationdata section that represents whether an address data where the datapacket is stored is modified or not, a packet type data section thatrepresents a format of the data packet and a packet identification (ID)section that represents an identification of the packet.
 17. The dataprocessing system of claim 16, wherein the packet length data sectionincludes about sixteen bits, the valid bit data section includes aboutfive bits, the access unit data section includes about two bits, theaddress modification data section includes about one bit, the packettype data section includes about four bits, and the packet ID datasection includes about four bits.
 18. The data processing system ofclaim 16, wherein the packet ID data section is used for an extensionfield.
 19. The data processing system of claim 16, wherein the number ofthe valid data is counted with the last word of the data packet.
 20. Thedata processing system of claim 16, wherein the access unit includes atleast one of a byte, a half word and a word.
 21. The data processingsystem of claim 12, wherein the input/output of the packet head includedin the data packet is synchronized with a data packet start signalhaving an active level.
 22. The data processing system of claim 21,wherein the data interface module initializes a finite state machine(FSM) corresponding to each of the data packets using the data packetstart signal.
 23. The data processing system of claim 1, wherein theactual data includes a target data and an address where the target datais stored.
 24. The data processing system of claim 1, wherein the databus is a standard interface bus.
 25. The data processing system of claim1, wherein the data processing function of the data processing module isa core data processing function of the data processing system.
 26. Adata interfacing method in a transmission mode, comprising: outputtingdata packets having a first protocol format synchronized to a firstclock, each of the data packets having the first protocol formatincluding actual data and control data used for transferring the actualdata; sequentially storing the outputted data packets having the firstprotocol format based on the first clock; retrieving the stored datapackets based on a FIFO method under synchronization of a second clock;converting the retrieved data packets having the first protocol formatinto a data packets having a second protocol format; and transferringthe converted data packets to a data bus under synchronization of thesecond clock.
 27. The data interfacing method of claim 26, wherein thefirst clock is different from the second clock.
 28. The data interfacingmethod of claim 26, wherein the first clock is identical with the secondclock.
 29. A data interfacing method in a reception mode, comprising:converting data packets having a second protocol format into datapackets having a first protocol format; outputting the data packetshaving the first protocol format under synchronization of a second clockthat is an operating clock of the data bus; and sequentially storing theoutputted data packets having the first protocol format undersynchronization of the second clock; and retrieving the stored datapackets under synchronization of a first clock.
 30. The data interfacingmethod of claim 29, wherein the first clock is different from the secondclock.
 31. The data interfacing method of claim 29, wherein the firstclock is identical with the second clock.